I just got back from a networking event. Networking is a form of public speaking - it's your sales presentation. If you're like me, you experience the speakers as unclear or they're so long-winded that you tune out. In business, your elevator speech is the most important presentation. Speakers who are unclear are leaving money on the table.
So I decided to challenge myself to describe what I do in 7 words or less. There's a magic to the number 7: Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Seven Seals, Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, and Lucky Sevens.

Here's what I came up with: Reduce speaking anxiety and monetize your mouth.

After I sent this out to our listserve, a number of people commented about how much they loved it and how well it describes what I do as an executive speaking strategist. So, I decided to offer the same challenge to people in my network. Admittedly, it was difficult. But I was proud of some of the responses that came in. Here is a sampling: